ἐκτείνω

I stretch out, cast forth

Definition

The verb ἐκτείνω means to stretch out, extend, or thrust forth. In the New Testament, it most often describes the physical act of stretching out a hand or arm, as when Jesus heals by touching someone (Matthew 8:3, Mark 1:41) or when he gestures toward his disciples (Matthew 12:49). It can also mean to cast something forth, like an anchor (Acts 27:30), or to lay hands on someone, as in the act of arrest (Matthew 26:51). In healing miracles, the action signifies the active, intentional power of Jesus reaching out to restore.

Biblical Usage

ἐκτείνω is used 14 times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Its usage consistently involves a deliberate, outward physical motion. Key contexts include healing (e.g., Jesus stretching out his hand to heal a leper in Matthew 8:3 and a withered hand in Matthew 12:13), rescue (Jesus stretching out his hand to save Peter in Matthew 14:31), and symbolic gesture (Jesus indicating his disciples in Matthew 12:49). The single non-Gospel use is nautical, describing sailors casting anchors in Acts 27:30.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out,' and the root verb τείνω (teinō), meaning 'to stretch' or 'to extend.' It is a compound verb that literally means 'to stretch out.' The root τείνω is related to words like τόνος (tonos, 'tension') and gives the sense of purposeful extension.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it vividly portrays the initiative and power of Jesus in acts of healing, salvation, and relationship. The physical 'stretching out' of his hand is not just a gesture but a conduit of divine authority and compassion, breaking barriers of impurity (as with lepers) and physical limitation. It underscores the incarnational reality of God's kingdom actively reaching into human suffering. In Matthew 14:31, it illustrates Christ's role as rescuer. Understanding this active, outward motion enriches the narrative of God's intervening grace.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the act of stretching out a hand carried significant meaning. In healing contexts, it often symbolized the transfer of power or blessing. For lepers, being touched by an outstretched hand was a radical act of social and religious reintegration, defying purity laws. The gesture also had connotations of authority, protection, and claim, as when a teacher indicates his followers or a soldier makes an arrest.

ἀποστέλλω (apostellō, G649) — focuses on sending away or commissioning, rather than physical extension. ὀρέγω (oregō, G3713) — means to reach out or stretch oneself toward, often with a sense of desire or longing, less concrete than ἐκτείνω. ἐπιτίθημι (epitithēmi, G2007) — means to lay or put upon, as in laying on hands, which can overlap in the 'laying hands on' sense but lacks the 'stretching out' motion.

Word Details

Scripture References